How much, if any advantage is it to draft number one overall in a fantasy draft?
Does drafting in the middle of the draft hurt or help? In addition, how much
of a hindrance is it to be stuck at the bottom of your draft? One thing is for
sure and that is your draft strategy will vary depending on which slot you draft
from. While competing in fantasy football over the years, I have drafted everywhere
from first overall down to sixteenth overall in a large fantasy league. I have
found that all draft positions can have benefits as well as negatives but some
are more beneficial than others.

This article will take a look at all twelve slots an owner can draft from in
a standard twelve team league with these scoring rules and what the strategy
should be for the first seven rounds of the draft. I will also go through a
mock draft until round seven and take a look at whom an owner should take with
each pick. There is no reason for any team, picking from any slot to not have
a solid foundation after seven selections.

This study doesn't take into account oddball picks in a draft. In many drafts,
one renegade owner makes baffling pick after baffling pick that allows value
to drop to the other teams in the league. An idea of an oddball pick would
be to take RB Stephen Davis in the 2nd round, QB Joey Harrington in the 3rd
round or WR Rod Smith in the 4th round.

This study isn't written in stone. Consider it to be a set of guidelines.
There will be times a player drops to your pick you weren't expecting to be
there and your entire draft strategy can change. That is healthy as long as
you adjust your game plan going forward from that pick. In fact if a player
is taken you don't expect to go before your pick, it is even better for you
as that means value is dropping to your draft slot.

As much as possible in this study, I try not to let what one owner is going
to do reflect on my thoughts for the next owner. I do this study over the
course of several days and treat it like I would a draft in slow time. I try
to look at it from the point of view of one fantasy owner at a time.

I don't want this study to become a debate on why I picked receiver 'X'
over receiver 'Y' or running back 'A' over running back 'B'. That isn't what
this exercise is about. To that end, I will be using the Footballguys.com
VBD Application and plugging it into the Draft
Dominator for this scoring system to determine which player should
go during each slot. I also glance at the ADP of each player to help determine
which position makes the most sense for each pick and may tweak the rankings
somewhat at times if a player offers better value later on in the draft.

I only go seven rounds deep into the draft. After that point in a draft,
you have the main pieces in place and it begins to find a game of searching
for gems and filling out your roster. The key to a great draft every time
from every draft position is the foundation of your roster.

Scoring Rules

1 pt per 20 yards passing

4 pts per passing TD

1 pt per 10 yards rushing/receiving

6 pts per rushing/receiving TD

1 pt per reception

-1 per interception

Field Goals worth 3 points

Conversions worth 1 point

Defensive Scoring

2 points per sack

2 pts per interception

2 pts per fumble recovery

6 pts per touchdown

2 pts per safety

Shutout worth 5 FP

1 pt to 6 pts surrendered worth 3 FP

7 pts to 13 pts surrendered worth 1 FP

The Draft Unfolds

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

1

RB Tomlinson

RB Bell

RB J Lewis

WR Burleson

WR S. Smith

WR Muhammad

QB Plummer

2

RB Holmes

RB Jackson

RB Jordan

WR Bennett

RB L. Johnson

WR Porter

QB Green

3

RB James

QB P. Manning

WR Horn

RB Foster

RB Taylor

WR Mason

WR Evans

4

RB Alexander

RB R. Johnson

TE Gonzalez

WR Mi. Clayton

QB Bulger

RB Staley

WR Lelie

5

RB McAllister

RB Green

WR Wayne

RB Barlow

WR Boldin

WR Coles

QB Favre

6

RB Westbrook

RB Martin

WR A. Johnson

WR Ro. Williams

TE Witten

RB M. Faulk

QB Brooks

7

RB D. Davis

WR Harrison

QB Culpepper

RB Bennett

RB R. Brown

WR J. Smith

TE Crumpler

8

RB Barber

WR C. Johnson

WR J. Walker

RB T. Jones

RB C. Benson

QB Vick

WR R. Smith

9

RB Portis

WR Holt

RB Dunn

RB C. Brown

WR Bruce

WR Moulds

RB Henry

10

RB McGahee

WR Owens

WR Jackson

RB C. Williams

RB Suggs

TE Shockey

WR Branch

11

WR R. Moss

RB Dillon

RB Arrington

WR Ward

WR Driver

QB Collins

WR Burress

12

RB K. Jones

RB J. Jones

TE Gates

QB McNabb

WR Chambers

WR Fitzgerald

RB Pittman

General Thoughts

Quarterbacks are extremely deep this season so don't overspend for one in
2005. Dependable quarterbacks like Matt Hasselbeck, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees,
Byron Leftwich, Jake Delhomme, David Carr, Brian Griese and Steve McNair haven't
been drafted after the first 84 picks.

There are about thirty solid running backs this season which is a great
number. However after that it begins to fall flat.

There is also a ton of receiver depth. When you can find solid veteran contributors
like Keyshawn Johnson, Amani Toomer, Plaxico Burress, Santana Moss, Keenan
McCardell and David Givens outside the 7th round as well as young players
such as Donte Stallworth, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers you will be able
to find gems outside of the top 84 this season.

The tight end position has a big five this season (maybe six if Todd Heap
can get healthy) in Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey,
and Alge Crumpler and then there is a pretty big falloff.

Drafting first overall is a luxury. Not only do you get the top running back
on your draft board but you also end up with three of the top twenty-five players
in the draft. It is very easy to not only be flexible from this position but
to control the direction of the draft. The only challenge from this spot is
looking ahead through the next twenty-four selections to determine which directions
the other owners will go in. It takes a long time to get back to your next back-to-back
picks and going the wrong direction could prove dangerous for your squad.

As always, drafting first overall such net you a very strong team. In this
exercise, strong running backs dropped down to the end of the second round and
this owner was able to start the draft RB/RB/RB and land a tremendous starting
backfield. If Bell becomes an elite back which is still up in the air with all
of the competition this season at the running back position in Denver, this
owner will put up lots of points on a weekly basis from the running back position.
Even better though, this owner manages to add three strong receivers in Nate
Burleson, Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad to start each week and a quarterback
with lots of fantasy potential this season in Jake Plummer. This squad is very
strong at the three main positions and will be in dynamite shape if he can find
some value at the tight end position.

Draft Strategy going forward

Keep going in the right direction. The three main positions of this fantasy
roster (quarterback, running back and receiver) are strong and as a result this
owner can simply pick according to value for the rest of the draft. If he can
land a tight end such as Todd Heap or Randy McMichael in the next round, he
would be looking like a frontrunner to win it all.

Drafting from the #2 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

2

RB Holmes

RB Jackson

RB Jordan

WR Bennett

RB L. Johnson

WR Porter

QB Green

General Thoughts

As with the first pick overall, there is an advantage to picking early in round
one. You get a top-tier running back and land three of the top twenty-six players
taken. That can lead to an exceptional start to your roster. Being allowed to
start three running backs each week, it made sense for this owner with the top
receivers off the board, to start his roster with three running backs. Just
as easily this owner could start RB/WR/WR or RB/QB/WR depending on who is off
the board. The focus for this draft slot is to make a quick determination on
how many of each position are likely to be off the board before picking again.
That helps this owner stay ahead of the curve.

RB Priest Holmes may be an injury risk and his age is on the wrong side of
30 but we all know his worth in fantasy football as long as he is on the field
and healthy. When drafting in a head-to-head league, I believe you need to think
in terms of fantasy points scored per game and not overall fantasy points. Sure,
Priest Holmes may only play in 13 games this season. Heck he may only play in
7 but in those games, he will likely lead the NFL in fantasy points getting
your squad off to a great start. The key to drafting Holmes is to try and land
his backup, Larry Johnson in the draft. In this exercise, he is available with
the 5.2 pick but he could just as easily be scooped by an owner in round four.
If he goes any earlier than the 50th pick overall though another owner is reaching
and you should simply let it happen. Holmes could surprise by staying healthy
throughout the season just as easily as he could get hurt and miss several games.
His upside is worth the risk.

When it comes to this roster, obviously the strength is at the running back
position. Having Holmes, Jackson, Jordan and Johnson (to back up Holmes) gives
this owner a trio that should put up a lot of points on a weekly basis. Landing
a quarterback like Trent Green is criminal and could help push this squad over
the top. In most fantasy leagues, Green will be taken as high as the 4th quarterback
off of the board but I am just following our Footballguys.com projections and
Green was the 10th rated passer. The real potential weakness of this roster
at this time is the receiver position. Both Drew Bennett and Jerry Porter have
good potential but also could be disappointments this season depending on different
variables. However the good news is there is still a ton of quality receivers
to choose from including guys with significant upside such as Charles Rogers
and proven veterans such as Amani Toomer.

Draft Strategy going forward

The cornerstone of this squad is the combination of (Holmes, Johnson) in the
RB1 slot. On some weeks this squad could even start Johnson in the FLEX position
with Holmes in the RB1 slot and maximize fantasy points. Going forward, this
team is pretty set at running back and needs to concentrate on getting a couple
of more receivers on the roster. Also finding value at the tight end position
and a strong backup quarterback will put this squad in a good position to win.

Drafting from the #3 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

3

RB James

QB P. Manning

WR Horn

RB Foster

RB Taylor

WR Mason

WR Evans

General Thoughts

First of all, a disclaimer: I do not expect Peyton Manning to last until the
22nd pick of your draft. In all likelihood he will be going inside of round
one and possible inside the top five overall picks. However this exercise is
to showcase what I feel is the best pick for each squad at a certain draft position
and in a league that has a FLEX position in addition to the 2 running backs
and 3 receivers that already start each week it makes more sense to wait on
the quarterback position than to take one too early. If an owner takes Manning
early (and Culpepper for that matter), value will drop at the more key positions
and you'll still land a strong starting quarterback in rounds five through seven.
Always go running back with the # 3 overall pick and don't think twice about
it.

The quarterback position is obviously set. If I am the owner to take Manning
in this year's fantasy draft, I would definitely want to be amongst the last
teams to grab a backup quarterback. I wouldn't even consider a 2nd quarterback
until round ten. There is potential for greatness at the running back spot but
it could also be a disaster waiting to happen. Fragile Fred Taylor who has had
durability issues throughout this career and isn't healthy yet at this time
joins up with the new 'Fragile One' in DeShaun Foster who has been unable to
suit up in the majority of his games. Both players could put up strong seasons
but the injury risk drops them down the draft board. If healthy, James, Foster
and Taylor could be a dynamic trio. The receiver position isn't flashy but is
in very strong shape. Horn, Mason and Evans will get the job done.

Draft Strategy going forward

Quarterback and receiver are in pretty sound shape after the first seven rounds.
With Manning already on board, ignore the quarterback position until at least
round ten and concentrate on building depth at running back and receiver. With
the injury risk of both Foster and Taylor, it would be a wise move to try and
land rookie RB Eric Shelton of the Panthers and RB LaBrandon Toefield of the
Jaguars to injury proof your squad. Other than that the goal will be to add
a good tight end within the next few rounds and this Manning, James led team
has potential.

Drafting from the #4 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

4

RB Alexander

RB R. Johnson

TE Gonzalez

WR Mi. Clayton

QB Bulger

RB Staley

WR Lelie

General Thoughts

Drafting fourth overall is as easy as the first three spots. Simply take the
best running back on your board and you are off to the races. In this case,
RB Shaun Alexander is one heck of a pick here but really there are a number
of running backs you could slot into this pick. This team went with the best
value throughout the draft and as a result has a top tight end and a top five
quarterback in addition to Shaun Alexander. The problem with taking both a tight
end and a quarterback by the end of round five though is it does weaken your
strength at running back and receiver.

First of all, let's cover the positives. Quarterback is set with Marc Bulger
who, without question, can slot into the top three in any given year. He is
a no-brainer if still around in round five. Having tight end Tony Gonzalez in
leagues that give a bonus point per reception is also huge and having both of
those guys in combination with 1st pick running back Shaun Alexander will result
in a bunch of points being scored in most weeks. RB Rudi Johnson is a very strong
# 2 running back although he is unlikely to add many points due to catching
the football. He will provide consistent week to week scoring as he'll likely
carry the ball twenty times per game. The possible negatives start at the third
running back spot. Duce Staley could be an outstanding sixth round pick but
he is coming off of surgery and only time will tell if he is able to play at
a high level of not. In addition, the receiving core does have potential with
both Michael Clayton and Ashley Lelie but it could be boom or bust in some weeks.

Draft Strategy going forward

Set at both quarterback and tight end, the strategy for this squad is very
simple going forward, focus in on adding quality at both running back and receiver.
There is still plenty of talent left on the board at receiver and this squad
will look much stronger with adding a couple of receiver gems in rounds eight
and nine. It is hard to go wrong with a nucleus of Alexander, Johnson, Bulger
and Gonzalez.

Drafting from the #5 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

5

RB McAllister

RB Green

WR Wayne

RB Barlow

WR Boldin

WR Coles

QB Favre

General Thoughts

Drafting from the # 5 slot is gold this season. You get a tremendous running
back no matter who falls to you and there is plenty of talent to scoop up throughout
the draft. RB/RB is a strong move here but if any of the top receivers are still
on the board with this round two pick, that is just as strong of a move.

This may be the team to beat after the first seven rounds. The only potential
weakness is at RB3 but that could be a strength if RB Kevan Barlow can rebound
from a weak 2004 campaign to play some decent football this season. QB Brett
Favre is consistent and a great pickup and the duo of McAllister and Green could
be awesome. Even the receiver position is strong with Wayne, Boldin and Coles
forming a formidable trio.

Draft Strategy going forward

This is already a nice balanced squad. I would target TE Todd Heap or TE Randy
McMichael with the 8th round pick and if neither is available the best strategy
is to just go with the best value pick possible. A shrewd move in the second
half of this draft (perhaps round ten or eleven) would be to add rookie RB Frank
Gore to this team to maximize point potential from the 3rd running back spot.

Drafting from the #6 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

6

RB Westbrook

RB Martin

WR A. Johnson

WR Ro. Williams

TE Witten

RB M. Faulk

QB Brooks

General Thoughts

This is where the draft begins to get interesting. This is the first slot in
which taking a receiver like Randy Moss wouldn't be a bad idea. Still the best
strategy at the top of the draft is to go running back and Brian Westbrook with
his great receiving skills is a strong pick here (he actually slots in as the
3rd best RB using the Draft Dominator). The best strategy here as in most slots
is to let the draft unfold and to pick according to value. Of course it is nice
to have three stud running backs but having top receivers instead can be just
as effective.

Going with a tight end within the first five rounds always makes the squad
look a little iffy to me in all honesty but when the goal is to outscore one
opponent each week having a top five tight end capable of catching 6+ passes
can be a great advantage over a roster with second rate tight end play. Jason
Witten will see a lot of passes thrown his way in 2005. The running back position
scares me to death. Personally in my own draft, I would love drafting Willis
McGahee here as he will have an outstanding season in 2005. Brian Westbrook
is the easy pick here though using FBG projections and with his ability to rack
up fantasy points in both the rushing and passing game, he should have a strong
season in this format. The interesting pick here is Marshall Faulk. He has been
written off but Faulk will still see lots of playing time and his penchant for
catching the ball cannot be ignored. He could end up one of the best 3rd running
backs in this league. The duo at receiver is young and talented but both carry
some measure of risk. Roy Williams has very talented guys around him and may
not see the ball enough to warrant a 4th round pick. He could also explode though
and finish top five due to his talent and athleticism so he is worth it for
upside alone. Andre Johnson is one of the most talented receivers in football
but will the Texans pass enough to warrant a third round choice? Only time will
tell on that front.

Draft Strategy going forward

Both the quarterback and tight end positions are in great shape. This owner
should ignore both for the next couple of rounds and add depth at running back
or receiver depending on who is available. Nice pickups throughout the 2nd half
of the draft would be to add Correll Buckhalter and Derrick Blaylock from the
Eagles and Jets respectively to guarantee points from the running back spot.

Drafting from the #7 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

7

RB D. Davis

WR Harrison

QB Culpepper

RB Bennett

RB R. Brown

WR J. Smith

TE Crumpler

General Thoughts

Again, this is not a no-brainer to go running back here in round one. A strong
case can be made for Randy Moss here and if you wish to go in that direction,
it wouldn't be a terrible move. However with one point per reception, Domanick
Davis should be outstanding in this format and he is a strong pick here. If
you go running back in round one it opens up this owner to look for strong value
picks throughout the next several rounds while going receiver in round one would
force this owner to be a little more regimented in his approach to make sure
he has decent running back depth.

Quarterback and tight end are strong with the duo of Culpepper and Crumpler
on board and this squad shouldn't even consider either position until round
eleven. Harrison and Jimmy Smith are a good start at receiver but obviously
when you can start 3-4 receivers each week, this squad needs help at the position.
The running back stable is quite risky with Michael Bennett and Ronnie Brown
having significant questions that need answering (Bennett - durability, vision
and Brown - learning the pro game, proving durability). This team could be strong
at the running back spot or very weak depending on how everything shakes down.

Draft Strategy going forward

Over the next three rounds, this squad should focus in on positions other than
quarterback and tight end. Adding two receivers in the next three rounds would
be a shrewd move. As the draft progresses, this owner would be wise to try and
get rookie RB Vernand Morency (Texans) and RB Mewelde Moore (Vikings) on his
squad to secure fantasy points at the running back spot. This team doesn't look
as strong as some but the combination of Culpepper, Davis, Harrison and Crumpler
is one heck of a cornerstone.

Drafting from the #8 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

8

RB Barber

WR C. Johnson

WR J. Walker

RB T. Jones

RB C. Benson

QB Vick

WR R. Smith

General Thoughts

You want flexibility in your draft approach then this is the place to draft
from. I could see going WR/WR/WR to start this draft, maximizing fantasy points
from the receiver position while trying to find running backs in rounds four
through seven to put up fantasy points. However there are a lot of strong running
backs at the top of the board this season and Tiki Barber could easily be a
top five pick under these scoring rules and is an easy pick here. After going
running back in round one it is easy to go for value picks in the next several
rounds.

The receiver position is the strength of this team with Chad Johnson, Javon
Walker and Rod Smith capable of putting up great fantasy numbers. Michael Vick
is a good fantasy quarterback who could be phenomenal in any given season if
he can become just a little more productive via the passing attack. He is capable
of rushing for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in any given season. The 2nd running
back slot is interesting with a Thomas Jones / Cedric Benson combination. Thomas
Jones is looking more and more like a good early season back for a fantasy team.
He is running hard in camp and at the very least will be catching a lot of passes
as the change of pace back as the season wears on. Having Benson will guarantee
points from the # 2 spot if one of the two gets injured.

Draft Strategy going forward

This owner is strong at receiver but adding another for the option of starting
four each week would be a wise move. The running back position is far from flashy
but it appears solid enough to help this team put up fantasy points each week.
It would be a nice pickup for this team to scoop rookie RB Brandon Jacobs (Giants)
to back up Tiki Barber later on in the draft. The key to this squad may be Michael
Vick having a strong season. It would be a wise move to scoop up a backup quarterback
in round eight or nine to cover this squad if Vick gets injured or is ineffective.
If Vick plays well the combo of Vick, Barber, Johnson and Walker may prove difficult
to defeat.

Drafting from the #9 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

9

RB Portis

WR Holt

RB Dunn

RB C. Brown

WR Bruce

WR Moulds

RB Henry

General Thoughts

This is an interesting slot for 2005. A strong argument can be made for going
either running back or receiver with this pick but as usual in a close battle,
go with running back. The way the quarterback situation played out with this
slot, it made sense to ignore it in round seven and to scoop one up in round
eight. Getting a quarterback like Carson Palmer or Matt Hasselbeck in round
eight is a tremendous luxury.

RB Clinton Portis is running behind what should be a much better offensive
line in 2005 and the offense has been tweaked to compliment his unique skills.
As a result he should be a much more explosive player in 2005. Warrick Dunn
isn't a bad choice as a 2nd running back although he isn't as flashy as most.
If TJ Duckett falls to this owner in round nine he should pick him up. Chris
Brown is an explosive player capable of putting up big numbers with limited
touches. If it wasn't for his durability he would be a top ten pick. Being able
to scoop up his backup was huge as it will guarantee points from receiver #
3. This squad looks much different than the others so far. The receiving trio
looks like the starting lineup on the Senior's Tour but the fact is Torry Holt,
Isaac Bruce and Eric Moulds should be a fabulous starting trio. The starting
lineup at RB/WR is set with Portis, Dunn, Brown, Holt, Bruce and Moulds and
either Palmer or Hasselbeck should be available to start at quarterback. The
quarterback position is very deep this season and this is an example for sure
of why it pays off to wait.

Draft Strategy going forward

Going only running back and receiver in the first seven rounds forced this
squad's hand a bit going forward. The next pick is round eight and that has
to be a quarterback. After that in round nine I would pick up Duckett if he
is available for insurance against Dunn but if he is off the board, it would
be wise to add a 2nd quarterback or a tight end if a strong one is available.
Otherwise this squad should just look for value going forward. This likely isn't
a team to beat but it should be steady throughout the season.

Drafting from the #10 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

10

RB McGahee

WR Owens

WR Jackson

RB C. Williams

RB Suggs

TE Shockey

WR Branch

General Thoughts

Decisions, decisions, decisions. An owner drafting here can choose between
a good running back, a top receiver or even Peyton Manning if he chooses to
go in that direction. For myself, as long as a strong running back option is
available, it makes sense to go in that direction. Just let the draft come to
you with this slot and you'll be fine. If you have to go WR/WR/WR or RB/WR/WR
or even RB/WR/QB to start the draft, do it and don't think twice about it. The
only two quarterbacks you should consider in the first three rounds though are
Manning and Culpepper.

I happen to love this roster but it just so happens that I love a lot of the
players that fell to this slot. I believe the trio of Willis McGahee, Cadillac
Williams and Lee Suggs at running back could be incredible and they could rack
up huge fantasy points this season. There is risk there of course though when
it comes to Williams and Suggs (Williams is a rookie with veteran Michael Pittman
breathing down his neck and Suggs is in a three-way battle for playing time
with William Green and Reuben Droughns). Both receiver and tight end is set
with Owens, Jackson, Branch and Shockey all capable of putting up huge numbers.

Draft Strategy going forward

The obvious next move is quarterback and if everything goes according to plan,
QB Carson Palmer is the pick for round eight. Add him to the starting lineup
of McGahee, Williams, Suggs, Owens, Jackson, Branch and Shockey and watch out.
After that just pick for value while perhaps targeting William Green and this
squad is in great shape.

Drafting from the #11 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

11

WR R. Moss

RB Dillon

RB Arrington

WR Ward

WR Driver

QB Collins

WR Burress

General Thoughts

Finally after a few owners stewing on selecting WR Randy Moss, he goes off
the board. With the number eleven slot it is essential that you remain flexible
throughout your draft. The flow of the draft can take you many different directions
and you must be willing to alter your strategy going forward. The most important
thing to do on the back end of a draft is to predict what the other owners will
do before your next picks comes up. There is a long wait in between picks and
you must analyze the possible path the draft will take before your next turn
arrives.

The obvious strength of this squad is at receiver and it is obvious the plan
going into the season will be to start four receivers each week (Moss, Ward,
Driver and Burress). It would be difficult to find a better starting foursome
at receiver. Running back however is a different story. As the draft progressed
it just didn't make much sense for this owner to go running back and now he
is in a bit of a bind with only two running backs on his roster although both
look capable of starting this season. Corey Dillon is a solid # 1 running back
in fantasy football without the flash of some of the higher picks but he'll
get the job done. J.J. Arrington is an unknown right now but he will get a chance
to put up strong numbers in 2005. Kerry Collins should be solid in 2005

Draft Strategy going forward

Obviously the weakness of this team is running back and it will have to be
addressed going forward. This owner should take Marcel Shipp with his next pick
to ensure points from the # 2 spot and then go bargain hunting through the second
half of the draft, selecting a number of running backs hoping to find a diamond
in the rough. He should finish up with at least 6 running backs on his roster,
hoping to land a surprise player. I don't like this squad as much as some but
the receiving core could carry it through some weeks. If I could do it over,
I would probably take Cadillac Williams instead of Hines Ward in round four.

Drafting from the #12 slot

Slot #

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

12

RB K. Jones

RB J. Jones

TE Gates

QB McNabb

WR Chambers

WR Fitzgerald

RB Pittman

General Thoughts

I love drafting from the 12 slot. It is a great place to use strategy to build
the team you want. The key is being able to look 24 spots ahead to your next
picks and as true with most slots, BE FLEXIBLE. It really is the key to strong
drafting. In this case, there is plenty of receiving talent to draft here but
to land a great duo of running backs here can carry your squad. This squad will
be known as 'Jones in the Fast Lane'

There is strength in all four positions through seven rounds. If it were my
own draft, I would probably let McNabb slide to another owner and pick Cadillac
Williams here but I am quite high on Williams. That said I went with McNabb
as he is good value in the fourth round of the draft. The Jones duo of Kevin
and Julius will put up great fantasy points and RB Michael Pittman should hold
his own in the # 3 spot due to one point per receptions. TE Antonio Gates will
be great again in 2005 although his numbers are bound to slip from a year ago
and while there are only two receivers on the roster, both Chambers and Fitzgerald
have great upsides in 2005. Overall a nice looking squad.

Draft Strategy going forward

Quarterback and tight end are set and this team needs to focus in on adding
receiver and running back depth. This squad should grab a receiver with the
next pick and look for running back value throughout the 2nd half of the draft.
A player such as Marion Barber will make a lot of sense for this team in round
thirteen or so. He is being ignored by fantasy owners despite being put into
the role of Richie Anderson. He will catch passes and could wind up the backup
to Julius Jones. This team will be in the hunt with a foundation of McNabb,
Jones, Jones, Chambers, Fitzgerald and Gates.

Important Draft Strategies

Your draft strategy must alter depending on whom you take in the first two
rounds.

Don't worry about bye weeks until you have your starting players in place.
Bye weeks matter for backups not starters.

Never draft more than one quarterback in the first seven rounds. Too hard
to trade them due to the fact there are so many starting quarterbacks and
only 12 starting slots in the league.

Be willing to adjust your strategy on the fly. Often a draft doesn't go
as you planned. If a bargain falls into your lap such as Terrell Owens or
Daunte Culpepper at the end of the second round, make sure you take him and
then adjust your strategy for the next several rounds. Be flexible!

Never take a kicker or defense until you have your starting roster at other
positions fill out at the very least and a backup at running back and receiver
is highly recommended. Personally I would take both kickers and defense in
the bottom quarter of the draft. That's where the value is.

The only non-running backs that should be considered in the first two rounds
are Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens
at receiver as well as Daunte Culpepper/Peyton Manning at quarterback. The
rest of the picks should be running backs although you can make a case for
either tight end Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates going towards the latter stages
of round two in certain leagues.

Final Conclusions

While there is some variance between the different draft slots, an owner can
draft a competitive team at any of them if he is willing to adjust his strategy
as the draft goes on. If an owner is patience, prepared and willing to follow
his own path the draft will open up to him and he will find himself with a competitive
team at the end of the day. Don't be afraid to buck the trend but allow your
strategy to change with your choices. If you take a quarterback or receiver
in the first two rounds, the focus for your team should switch to running back.
Never take more than one quarterback until at least round seven at the very
least. If you do take one of the top two tight ends (Gonzalez and Gates) in
the first few rounds, ignore the tight end position until near the end of the
draft. The same goes with the quarterback position. If you select a Peyton Manning
or Daunte Culpepper in round two, do not consider taking another one until at
least round ten.

There are no guarantees in fantasy drafts due to injuries and unforeseen occurrences.
However having a solid strategy in place that can be flexible can help an owner
drafting from any slot be successful in his/her league.